Tennessee Federation for Children Announces Statewide Radio Campaign for Educational Choice

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Tennessee Federation for Children today announced a statewide radio campaign designed to educate the public on the need for bipartisan support to bring expanded educational options to Tennessee families.

The campaign, which begins today in the Knoxville and Chattanooga markets, will talk about the need for families, especially children in low-income families, to have access to additional educational options. Legislation that would create a scholarship program for children from low-income families is currently being considered.

This is the start of a robust media campaign to encourage legislators and parents to get involved in the fight for educational choice and help every child access a great school, regardless of their zip code.

"We want our children to receive the best possible education," said Kimberly Kump, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Federation for Children. "We are committed to working with lawmakers to see legislation passed that will empower parents to choose the school that best fits their child's needs."

Many Tennessee children need access to better educational opportunities. Three out of four Tennessee eighth graders are not proficient in Math. Only five states rank lower.

Legislation would create an Opportunity Scholarship Program for children in low to middle-income families to attend the school of their parents' choice. Similar programs around the country are helping to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged students.

Nationwide, more than 245,000 students are currently enrolled in one of the 32 publicly funded private school choice programs in 16 states and Washington, D.C.